California State Normal School History, 1862-1889
Transcribed by Pamela Storm Wolfskill and Ron Filion, 2004
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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PRINCIPALS
Source: Historical Sketch of the State Normal School at San Jose, California,
with a Catalogue of Its Graduates and a Record of Their Work for Twenty-Seven
Years [1862-1889]. State Office, J.D. Young, Supt. State Printing. Sacramento,
California. 1889.
GEORGE TAIT.
(Principal from July, 1867, to February, 1868.)
George Tait was born in 1831, in the City of New York, and was reared in the
State of Virginia. He received his education at the University of Virginia,
then in the most flourishing period of its history. He began his career as a
teacher in Virginia, and before he was twenty-one. In 1853, at the age of
twenty-two, he came to California, and went into the French Bank at San
Francisco, teaching school in the evening. In 1857 he was appointed Principal
of the Denman School, and served as such until 1861, when he was elected City
Superintendent of Schools. In 1863 he was reelected. During his term of office
he advocated many reforms, particularly in the interest of primary schools,
which he thought should, in regard to the character of their teachers, their
buildings, and other appliances of education, rank first in every school
department. Next in importance to the judicious selection of teachers, etc., in
primary schools, he considered the work of examining, classifying, and promoting
pupils. This work was then performed by the Committee on Classification, aided
by the Superintendent. Mr. Tait considered this system inadequate, and
proposed, in its stead, to commit the task to the grammar masters, under the
supervision of the committee, and at the same time to relieve the masters of the
charge of any one class, so that they might attend to the general interests of
their schools. In his efforts to better the condition of our schools and to
raise their standard, he sought inspiration in the wisdom and experience of the
leading educators of the East, and in his views on the subject he was supported
by the Board of Education.
He also was a warm advocate of religion in the school, and thought the
banishment of all religious instruction from the classroom a slur on the morals
of the community. Educational authorities differ very much on this important
subject, but Mr. Tait insisted strongly upon the excellent moral effect of
reading the Scriptures, without comment on the part of the teacher, however.
During the years of him incumbency, the practice prevailed in New York and
Boston, and was made compulsory by law; and, in fact, prevailed in this State�at
least, in the schools of San Francisco, in 1852, but soon after fell into
disuse. He also believed in the American system of co-education, but, at the
same time, he advised the introduction of the European system into a certain
number of schools, in view of the strong prejudice of our foreign element
against the former system. He though this concession necessary in order to
extend to the greatest possible number the inestimable benefits of a common
school education.
In 1867 he was appointed Principal of the State Normal School, then located
in San Francisco. His connection with that institution was, however, very
brief, for stress of private business necessitated his resignation in 1868. In
that year he moved, with his family, to Oakland, intending to devote himself
thenceforth exclusively to his business interests. However, after a short
residence in that city, he was prevailed upon by friends to undertake the task
of organizing the schools of the young city. His long experience in San
Francisco was of the greatest advantage to him in this work. Soon afterwards he
became connected with Brayton�s College School, and when the College of
California became the University of California, he was made one of its
professors, and also give charge of the Preparatory Department. He resigned in
1873. With the exception of a term as member of the Board of Education of San
Francisco, in 1876-7, his educational career ended here. After this he traveled
in Europe for many years. He died suddenly in 1888, at Alameda, California.
Thus, the best years of his life were devoted to the cause of education. He
was a natural teacher, and loved his profession. He often remarked that the
happiest hours of his life were spent in the school-room. Those who knew him
well will testify to his worth, and praise his great services to the State of
California. If any man eve exaggerated the advantages of a liberal education,
it was Mr. Tait, and in the education of the masses he looked for the solution
of the social question.
The character and importance of Mr. Tait�s work may be well estimated by
reference to the points enumerated in an address by Professor Minns, Principal
of the State Normal School, delivered upon the occasion of the presentation of a
silver service to Mr. Tait, then about to retire from office, in which he calls
attention to the important services rendered by Mr. Tait, and which were as
follows:
1. Obtaining from the State Legislature an Act authorizing the transfer of
$60,000 from the General Fund to the School Fund. This money was used for
building purposes.
2. Improving the finances of the department. Before he was Superintendent
there was always a deficit in the School Fund; during his entire term of office
it showed a surplus. Teachers were paid in cash instead of scrip; and the
business of the department was conducted upon a cash basis.
3. Improving the condition of the primary schools, by providing better and
healthier accommodations for the children.
4. The revision of the by-laws of the Board, and of the school regulations.
5. The introduction of the graded course of instruction in primary and
grammar schools, thereby shortening the course from ten to seven years.
6. Restoring the practice of reading the Bible, without note or comment.
�It was also upon his recommendation,� says Mr. Minns, �that Principals were
directed to assemble their pupils annually, on the day preceding the birthday of
Washington, and to read and explain to them extracts from Washington�s farewell
address, and to combine therewith such expressions as are likely to kindle in
the breasts of the rising generation a holy and inextinguishable love of
country.�